By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com
Nixa softball continued to show improvement in 2023.
The Eagles capped a third-straight 20-win season with a 22-11 record, falling to Willard in the district championship.
“Last year was a little of a surprise,” longtime head coach Matt Walker said. “Some might say we had more success than expected from all we lost the previous year. We, as a team, knew we still had a good group of talented players and over the course of the season we learned what was needed for a strong run in districts.”
Heading into the fall campaign, Nixa will be led by a talented group of returning starters.
Brie Chilton – Senior pitcher
“[Chilton] got her opportunities last season in the circle and had an outstanding season going 12-5 with a 2.22 ERA and really carried us down the stretch,” Walker said. “She also hit .293 in the middle of the lineup.”
Jordan Phillips – Sophomore shortstop
“[Phillips] had a strong freshmen season hitting 356 with 34 RBIs,” Walker said. “She learned over the season how to play shortstop at the varsity level.”
Rylee Harper – Senior outfield
“[Harper] had another strong season hitting .446 with 31 RBIs and 29 runs scored,” Walker said.
Jalyn Mabe – Junior infield
“[Mabe] hit .333 with 25 RBIs and 25 runs scored,” Walker said.
Grace West – Junior outfield
“[West] will take over in center field,” Walker said. “She came on late in the season hitting .391 in about 50 at-bats.”
Rachel Clemenson – Senior third base
“[Clemenson] got an opportunity late in the season last year and ran with it, hitting .366 in the last month of the season,” Walker said.
In addition to its returning corps, a host of varsity newcomers will compete for playing time this season, including senior Baylie Shockley and junior Mylee Harper.
“We have a very talented group of younger girls who could step up and see varsity time,” Walker said. “Baylie saw limited time last season at second base but can play a couple different positions. Mylee also saw some time last season in the outfield and spent a lot of time as a pitch/courtesy runner and ended up scoring 32 runs and getting 23 stolen bases.”
A trio of juniors could also find their way into the lineup this season in pitcher Shelby Hicks, first baseman Jayleen Hunter and catcher Mika Livingston.
Walker believes Nixa’s team speed will be a big advantage this season, both at the plate and in the field.
“We will have great speed in the outfield who will be able to track down most balls hit out there and, on the bases, will be able to cause problems for other teams,” Walker said “We have been very lucky the last few years to have a strong core of varsity starters. While we still have that, we also have a group of juniors and sophomores who are itching to get varsity innings, which will create some healthy competition at practices.”
While Nixa’s lineup will feature plenty of talent and experience, Walker believes the team’s overall chemistry could be a significant factor with respect to development heading into the season.
“One of the biggest things we need to do to take things to the next level is learning to be good teammates and to support each other and understand the main goal is the betterment of the team,” Walker said. “We need to leave the complaining, jealousy and drama at the gate and embrace the blue-collar approach each day so we can be the best team we can. We have a lot of talent but that is not the only thing you need to be successful.”
Following an Aug. 23 jamboree at Republic, Nixa opens its regular season at home, Aug. 31, against Perry, Okla.
